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holidays

I’m sure you have all noticed that holiday stuff is everywhere now. Halloween stuff has been on the shelves for quite some time, and Christmas and winter items are starting to come out as well. It seems like just yesterday it was summer and 100 degrees out.

Below are ways to save on your holiday travel:

1. Think about your travel dates.

Can you be flexible with your traveling dates at all? Flying a couple of days before Thanksgiving and leaving a couple of days after will be very expensive, and also very busy at the airport. If it is possible, then try arriving or leaving the day of the holiday. Yes, this isn’t always ideal, but if it is possible, then it should be though about.

In general, days matter also. However, not when it comes to Thanksgiving though as these days I’m about to list are prime Thanksgiving traveling days. Flying on different days can also save you. Flying in on a Tuesday and leaving on a Saturday will save you much more money then leaving or coming back from your destination on Friday or Saturday.

Leaving at different times of the day can cost differently as well. Taking a 6am flight or an 11pm flight will most likely cost less than taking a flight during a more normal time.

2. Buy now.

Prices will most likely only go up from now until the holidays. There will be the occasional super sale on airfare, but would you want to risk that and possibly paying double if the sale never comes?

3. Use different airports.

Flying into airports that aren’t as busy can save you a lot of money. Farther airports might also be closer to your destination, so don’t always rule them out.

However, there are other factors to think about when doing this. How much will the additional cost is gas or a taxi cost? Can you use public transportation from this airport location?

4. Use a Rewards Card.

If you can get any extra money back, then why not? If you already have a travel or rewards card, then look into the details to see how you can get the most money back.

5. Looks at bidding websites.

If you’re booking a hotel, try bidding on websites such as Priceline. If you look at bidding tips websites, they can tell you what most people pay and what hotels you most likely are bidding on. I greatly recommend this so that you aren’t just shooting in the dark for a price and a hotel.

6. Use Airbnb or other home rental websites.

I have used Airbnb once before, and I got a great deal. Renting a place for a couple of days is most likely much cheaper than getting a room at a hotel.

7. Get the economy car.

If you need to rent a car, then try getting the economy car. It is most likely the cheapest and will get the best gas mileage. Also, see if your hotel will spring for the rental car cost, as some hotels do this nowadays.

8. Use public transportation.

If it is possible in the place that you are going to, then trying using their metro system. It will most likely be much cheaper, and you might possibly be able to get places faster since you will be avoiding traffic.

9. Use coupons on food.

Food on vacations can be a budget buster. Try looking for coupons or specials for the restaurant that you are about to go to. Also, eating during happy hour or during lunch time will be much cheaper than eating during dinner at most restaurants.

10. Cook at your place.

If you have a kitchen in your room, then cook! Go to the grocery store and stock up on foods that you will be eating.